The Missing Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Missing" offers both Theatrical and Extended Cuts, meticulously preserved in the movie's original aspect ratio of 2.40:1, utilizing MPEG-4 AVC encoding on dual-layer BD-50 discs. This high-definition presentation is faithful to the director's vision, showcasing a deliberately desaturated color palette that emphasizes the film's grim and austere atmosphere. Cinematographer Salvatore Totino's preference for using minimal and naturalistic lighting techniques, such as candlelight and kerosene lamps, is vividly brought to life, with each frame highlighting the intricate play of shadow and light to accentuate facial expressions against predominantly dark backgrounds. Notably, this transfer rectifies the issues of edge enhancement seen in the original Columbia/Tri-Star DVD release from 2004, resulting in a cleaner and more refined visual experience.

With regards to the technical specifications and user accessibility, Shout! Factory has provided sixteen chapter selections for both versions of the movie on the Blu-ray discs. This inclusion facilitates an easier navigation through the film's narrative, enhancing the viewing experience. The attention to preserving the film's aesthetic integrity, combined with technological improvements over previous home video releases, makes this Blu-ray edition of "The Missing" a definitive version for both cinephiles and fans of the film. The meticulous transfer not only elevates the visual narrative crafted by the director and cinematographer but also ensures that viewers are immersed in the starkly beautiful yet bleak world that the film encapsulates.

The audio presentation of "The Missing" on Blu Ray has been handled with notable care, offering viewers an immersive audio experience that complements the film's visual storytelling. Shout has provided both a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround track and a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo downmix, ensuring that the audio is accessible for various home theater setups. Specifically, the theatrical release features a surround track at 2629 kbps and a stereo downmix at 1582 kbps, both in 24-bit quality. The extended version of the film ups the ante with a slightly richer 5.1 Surround track at 2873 kbps while maintaining the stereo downsample at 1581 kbps, also in 24-bit. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that every whisper of dialogue, regardless of language, is presented with clarity and precision.

Dialogue, an essential component given the film's trilingual nature (English, Apache languages, and Spanish), is handled with deftness. English subtitles are thoughtfully provided for Apache and Spanish dialogues, ensuring accessibility for all viewers. Of particular note is the film's use of ambient sounds—stretches where the audio landscape is dominated by the winds and sounds of nature are remarkably vivid, adding an authentic texture to the viewing experience. Furthermore, James Horner's score beautifully interweaves ethnic and Western musical elements, creating a thematic continuity that echoes his work on Braveheart. His mastery in blending these sounds contributes significantly to the film’s atmospheric depth.

In conclusion, the Blu Ray audio presentation for "The Missing" stands as a testament to the importance of high-quality audio in enhancing cinematic storytelling. The clarity of dialogue in multiple languages, combined with James Horner's evocative score and the rich environmental sounds, ensure an engrossing aural experience. Whether enjoying the theatrical version or the extended cut, viewers are treated to a meticulously curated audio experience that significantly enhances the film's narrative and emotional resonance.

The Blu-ray release of "The Missing" by Shout meticulously compiles a wealth of extras, some of which have been carried over from the prior Columbia/Sony DVDs, with notable exclusions including three photo galleries that provided insights into the Cast, Location, & Production. Highlighting the collection are engaging behind-the-scenes look through Ron Howard's eyes, offering viewers an in-depth exploration of his filmmaking process, and a genuine fondness for Westerns, shared alongside personal anecdotes. The disc also presents a unique opportunity to view Howard’s early home movies, enriching the context for his directorial approach. Deleted scenes and alternative endings provide an interesting glimpse into the narrative possibilities considered during the film’s editing phase. Additional featurettes such as "New Frontiers: Making The Missing" and casting insights delve deeper into the creative journey behind the movie. A standout is the Apache Language School segment, shedding light on efforts to authentically integrate Apache culture. The inclusion of commentary by Ron Howard, though sometimes marred by gaps in dialogue, complements the exhaustive visual content, offering comprehensive insights into the making of this film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Ron Howard on The Filmmaking Process: A deep dive into Howard's headspace and technical approach during the making of "The Missing."
• Home Movies: Early shorts by Ron Howard, revealing his nascent filmmaking craft.
• Eleven Deleted Scenes: A collection of scenes not included in the final cut, offering additional storylines and character moments.
• Three Alternative Endings: Presents viewers with different narrative closures, showcasing the film’s potential divergent paths.
• Outtakes: A compilation of bloopers that highlight the lighter moments during production.
• Theatrical Trailer: The initial promotional teaser introducing audiences to the thematic and visual tone of the movie.
• Audio Commentary by Director Ron Howard: Offers personal insights and anecdotes from the production phase.
• The Last Ride: The Story of The Missing: An exploration into the film’s backstory and its roots in Western genre traditions.
• New Frontiers: Making The Missing: The official making-of documentary, providing a comprehensive overview of the film’s production journey.
• Casting The Missing: Focuses on the selection process of the cast and their experiences inhabiting their roles.
• Apache Language School: Highlights the incorporation of Apache language and customs into the film for authenticity.
• The Modern Western Score: Discussion on the film’s score blending traditional Western and native music.

Ron Howard's "The Missing," a revisionist Western starring Tommy Lee Jones and Cate Blanchett, revisits the dark and atmospheric essence of Western cinema with a narrative focus on a strained father-daughter relationship. This adaptation of Thomas Eidson's 1995 novel, "The Last Ride," skilfully adapted by Ken Kaufman, delves into the emotional depths and complexities of familial bonds set against the harsh and unforgiving backdrop of the frontier. The film, presented in both its initial 137-minute cut and a lengthier 154-minute Extended Cut in the Shout Select edition, showcases exceptional performances, notably from Blanchett and Jones. Their portrayal captures the bitterness and resentment stemming from past grievances, juxtaposed with the need to come together in a desperate search for Maggie's kidnapped daughter.

The cinematography and its choice of lighting complement the somber tone of the film, with much of the action unfolding under the cloak of night, enhancing the sense of danger lurking in the wilderness. James Horner's score further elevates the tense atmosphere, weaving a haunting musical backdrop that harmonizes with the visual storytelling. However, the script falters in its one-dimensional depiction of its Native American characters, particularly the Apache mystic Chidin. This portrayal succumbs to stereotypes, lacking depth and nuance, which undermines the complexity of historical interactions between Native Americans and settlers highlighted in fleeting narrative moments.

Despite its rich thematic exploration and cinematic craftsmanship, "The Missing" struggles to balance its narrative ambitions with the portrayal of its Native American characters, resorting to archetypical depictions that detract from its otherwise intricate exploration of familial reconciliation and survival in the face of adversity. The performances, visual direction, and score commendably capture the essence of the genre, but a missed opportunity to delve deeper into critical socio-historical dialogues leaves a bittersweet aftertaste in this cinematic endeavor.

The Missing," a film that carries both complexity and controversy within its narrative and representation, finds a nuanced balance in its Blu Ray presentation by Shout Select. Despite the film's overextended duration and contentious depiction of Apaches, it rises through its technical execution, particularly in its cinematography. The lighting techniques employed throughout are noteworthy, contributing to scenes that oscillate between hauntingly beautiful and oppressively dark, showcasing the film's visual prowess. This Blu Ray release encapsulates the essence of the cinephilic experience by offering aficionados two distinct viewing options: the theatrical version and the Extended Cut, meticulously compiled across two discs.

From a technical standpoint, Shout Select demonstrates a commendable effort in transitioning the content from DVD to Blu Ray format, ensuring that the extras – though identical to those found in previous DVD releases – are preserved in their entirety. This dedication to maintaining the integrity of supplemental materials is a testament to Shout Select’s commitment to both the filmmaker's vision and the fans' expectations. It is evident that this release was curated with an audience in mind that holds profound appreciation for the works of Cate Blanchett, Ron Howard, and Tommy Lee Jones, three pivotal figures in the crafting of "The Missing."

In conclusion, this Blu Ray presentation of "The Missing" stands out as a significant contribution to the home cinema library of enthusiasts who value both narrative depth and technical excellence. While it navigates the fine line between aesthetic beauty and thematic darkness, Shout Select’s release ensures that viewers are offered an immersive experience. Its dedication to retaining original extras while presenting high-quality versions of the theatrical and extended cuts makes this edition highly recommended for admirers of the film’s stellar cast and crew.